In 1981, I was finishing my graduate work at Clemson University in South Carolina. My thesis was on optimization of packaging parameters to increase the shelf-life of fresh peaches and shredded lettuce. I was right down the road from what was then the R&D center for Cryovac. Utilizing the center’s materials for my research, I was very aware of the R&D capabilities. I hoped that my focus in packaging, food science and microbiology matched with Cryovac’s drive to be a leader in the food packaging sector.

Most companies today have integrated some type of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies into their products. They actively promote the benefits and value in using their systems. However, how do cleaning companies really realize profits from the fleet management connectivity choices on the market?

In order to achieve true profitability, cleaning executives should look for three things when considering IoT technologies:

The last time I placed an online order, the products arrived on my doorstep in less than 18 hours. Five years ago, same-day or next-day delivery would have seemed incredible or even impossible. Now it’s expected.

To meet rising consumer expectations – delivery and otherwise – retailers need warehouses. And lots of them. There’s probably a fulfillment warehouse located near you right now.

One easy way to promote cleaning and hygiene positively is to make it highly visible to your customers. Although this may seem counterintuitive, customers likely value seeing critical areas being cleaned during their visit. It demonstrates that your organization takes cleaning and hygiene seriously enough to keep on top of it rather than simply doing a quick clean in the morning or at night.

There are several reasons why promoting cleanliness can make a difference.

In 1900 the top three killers in the world were pneumonia/influenza, tuberculosis and diarrhea. Within 100 years, the only one of these still on the list of top ten killers was pneumonia/influenza. At number seven, its total attributable deaths are a fraction of 100 years before. The main drivers for the collapse in mortality rates caused by infectious diseases include vaccination, improved sanitation and hygiene practices, and the advent of antibiotics which in many cases turned potential killers into minor discomforts.

As e-commerce competition heats up among major retailers, it’s the suppliers that are now caught in the crosshairs. Suppliers are being hit with tougher penalties and are being held accountable, more than ever before, for errors and late deliveries.

In the total cost of floor care machines, battery costs alone account for a double digit percentage. Add in premature battery failure and the additional labor costs when the machine is inoperable and the total cost of ownership can skyrocket. According to BatteryStuff.com, “A battery is like a piggy bank. If you keep taking out and putting nothing back you soon will have nothing.”